Following our driest June since 1976, we're taking more water from our environment to meet demand. 

Image description: Person washing up in a kitchen sink

Last month, during what was our driest June since 1976, customer demand reached an average of 98 million litres of water per day – the same as 39 Olympic-sized swimming pools.  This is an 8% increase on typical demand.

More pressure is being put on our water network, and we have predicted that we will need to produce 110 million litres of water to meet this demand. 

Why does this matter?

Whilst we have detailed plans in place to meet extra demand over the summer, this year we have experienced significant long periods of dry weather.

With customer demand on the rise, we're taking more water from our environment, and this is putting pressure on our network and our treatment works. 

Could a temporary usage ban be put in place? 

We are doing all we can to prevent any temporary usage restrictions, but this may be a possibility if demand does not drop, in order for us to continue to deliver a sustainable supply. 

What is Cambridge Water doing?

We know we have a huge role to play in managing our water supplies and delivering clean, high-quality water to our customers. 

Image description: Cambridge Water leakage technician working on a footpath

Since the start of the year, we have completed 945 repairs to leaking pipes. We’ve increased the size of our leakage team by more than 50% and we’re recruiting more people to join us.

On top of this, we will be renewing over 250km of pipes across our two supply regions over the next five years to improve the long-term resilience of our water network.  

Please use water wisely

Small changes to water habits can quickly add up over time and make a big difference overall.

We are urging customers to think about their water use and look at ways they can cut back on non-essential activities.

Image description: Person using a watering can outside

Here are just a few examples of easy water-saving steps that you can take:

• Hang up your hosepipe - switch your hosepipe for a watering can as hosepipes use up to 1,000 litres an hour - the same as a family of four uses in two days.
  
• Wait to wash your car - wait until the hot weather is over before washing your car. If your car needs a wash, use a bucket instead of a hose, as this would save over 100 litres of water.
  
• Leave your lawns - leave established lawns even if they go brown - they will recover when it next rains.
  
• Reduce your shower time - if you like a long shower, see if you can reduce your shower time - just two minutes can save 30 litres of water

Water-saving tips

Find out how small changes in your water use can make a big difference.

Get Water Fit

Take a quick quiz to find out how much water you use, and get free water-saving devices.